THE FUTURE of one of the oldest buildings in Macclesfield has been secured after plans for an upmarket revamp were at last approved by the borough council.

The former St George's Church, in St George's Place, Macclesfield is to be brought into the 21st century with a transformation into a swanky business centre.

The development will see the redundant Anglican Church, which was built way back in 1822, turned into a trendy nine-suite office block, complete with disabled facilities and parking.

A council report deemed the plans by Macclesfield Building Firm Janhill Ltd as "desirable in assisting with the long-term future survival of the building", and that they would "preserve the building with its historical integrity intact".

Yet, despite this there has still been much wrangling in the council chambers since the initial application in August, because of rigorous parking restraints in the surrounding area.

But following two deferrals, a site visit for the committee and a compromise to just six parking spaces as opposed to ten by the developers, councillors were happy to unanimously approve the plans for the building at the borough planning meeting this week.

They agreed to let the development go ahead as long as certain conditions were followed.

These were that work started sooner rather than later, that older features like railings and windows should be retained, and that disabled access must be included.

Moving the recommendation, Councillor Sue Greenwood said: "We are all for this compromise, six spaces and disabled facilities is a good result.

"I feel confident from the site visit that this is an upmarket office development. I think it will be an asset to the area."

The church was first built as a congregational chapel back in 1822, but members caused a rift and later asked the Anglican Church to take it into their hands.

In the late 1800s it became known as the Parish Church of Sutton, before the arrival of St James' in Sutton, when it became known as St George's.

And delighted historians in the town say the development has been the saving grace of one of the most important buildings in Macclesfield.

David Heathcote, of Macclesfield Civic Society, said: "This development is saving one of the most important buildings in Macclesfield, which could otherwise fall into ruin."